Shark ID and Regulation Workshops Slated for Coastal Cities

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department coastal fisheries biologists will host five workshops in late June and early July to help anglers navigate new shark regulations that go into effect Sept. 1, 2009.

The new regulations increase the minimum total length for most shark species from 24 inches total length to 64 inches total length, except for Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip and bonnethead sharks, which will remain at 24 inches total length.

The workshops will focus on shark identification and changes in the regulations. Similar shark species and distinguishing characteristics will be presented to allow anglers to identify the prohibited species, and differentiate between the 24-inch and 64-inch minimum size species.